The better you sleep, the healthier you feel — and your mattress plays a pivotal role in this. The right mattress can improve your chances of falling asleep faster and waking up refreshed. The wrong one can cause sleep deprivation, overheating, aches and pains.
We've reviewed and slept on more than 120 mattresses in the last five years, and over the last few months we've been busy launching a brand new mattress testing methodology. This gives us more objective and subjective data than ever before to assess pressure relief, temperature regulation, motion isolation and edge support — four of the biggest factors that can influence the quality of your sleep.
We called our top-ranked mattresses back into the lab to re-test them and here, for the first time, are the definitive results. The Saatva Classic has proven, again, that it’s still the best mattress for most people, providing best-in-class support and comfort in every sleeping position.
The best mattress overall
Saatva Classic review scores
Overall performance: 4.8 out of 5
| Product | Pressure relief (Score) | Temperature control (Score) | Motion isolation (Score) | Edge support (Score) | Value for money (Score) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saatva Classic | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
The Saatva Classic is our highest-rated mattress, scoring 4.8/5 under our new methodology. This luxury hotel-style innerspring hybrid was the top performer in the majority of our lab tests, and earned near-perfect feedback from our diverse panel of expert mattress testers.
I tested a queen-size luxury firm model for over seven months and have never slept better. From the first night, Saatva’s patented lumbar support erased the hip and back pain that had been keeping me awake on other beds — it’s now the mattress I return to when I’m not reviewing others.
This five-layer model scored an unmatched 5/5 for pressure relief, with everyone on our panel finding its three-inch Euro pillow top instantly soothing. It’s the best we’ve tested for managing everyday aches and pains. You don't sink into it as much as you do a plusher pillow top mattress like the Helix Midnight Luxe (in Highly Commended); instead you lie on top, lightly contoured.
It’s also a great choice for hot sleepers — I haven’t overheated on it yet, whereas I did on the DreamCloud below, and it absorbed the least heat in our tests, earning full marks for temperature regulation. However, the Bear Elite with Celliant-infused cover (number five) cooled down six minutes faster than the Saatva, giving it the edge in our best cooling mattress guide and making it a better option for chronic hot sleepers.
Comfortable and supportive for most people
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It scored 5/5 for edge support, too. The high-density foam rails used along the edges and foot of the bed deliver unmatched perimeter support for getting in or out of bed.
The only area the Saatva Classic was out-performed is motion isolation (the best memory foam mattresses excel there). But it still scored highly (4/5), dampening motion faster than every other spring-based mattress we’ve tested — and quite a few all-foam mattresses too. You will feel some motion, but I’m not disturbed by my partner (or toddler, when he climbs in). And the pay off is that slight bounce makes it very easy to change position.
Given its top-of-the-class performance, we still rank the Saatva Classic as the best mattress you can buy — that's the fourth year in a row now. However, it doesn’t support couples weighing over 300lbs each (try The WinkBed instead, a great mattress for heavier people), and anyone with chronic back pain should look at the Saatva RX because it offers a higher level of back support.
Alternatively, for smaller budgets, the DreamCloud Classic at number two costs $1,000 less — just don’t expect the same luxury sleep experience. For everyone else, the Saatva Classic is the pinnacle of sleep comfort, and its free white glove delivery adds significant value. Now is a great time to buy too, with $400 off in the Saatva Black Friday sale.
Read more: Saatva Classic review
The best mid-range mattress
DreamCloud Classic review scores
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5
| Product | Pressure relief (Score) | Temperature control (Score) | Motion isolation (Score) | Edge support (Score) | Value for money (Score) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DreamCloud Classic | 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 5 |
The DreamCloud Classic is our second-highest scoring mattress — a remarkable achievement given it costs $1,000 less than the Saatva Classic. This mid-range innerspring hybrid is the best mattress in a box we’ve slept on, delivering excellent support and comfort. While it can’t match Saatva’s luxury build and impressive overall performance, you won’t find a better hybrid bed at this price.
Our lead reviewer, Lauren Jeffries, stopped waking up at night while testing the DreamCloud Classic: “After getting into bed, I became instantly comfortable and stayed that way until morning.”
Though advertised as a medium-firm mattress (6/10 on the firmness scale), we rate the DreamCloud a little softer (5.5/10). If you want deeper cushioning, the Nectar Premier (number four) is a better option.
Still, its foam and coil layers provided very good pressure relief in our tests, compressing over four inches under our 25kg weight to support the hips and shoulders well. Both Lauren and our testing panel found it very comfortable for side and back sleeping, but not supportive enough for stomach sleepers – you'll need a firmer mattress like the Siena Signature (number three) or Helix Dawn.
Great for most, but can sleep warm
The DreamCloud Classic also has excellent edge support – it scored 4/5, matching the Siena Signature and the Nectar Premier. The reinforced perimeter is sturdy, sinking only an inch more than the center of the mattress in our weighted test. This means you can sit comfortably on the side, and sleep right up to the edge without feeling as though you’ll roll off.
Temperature-wise, the DreamCloud does a good job of remaining neutral overall. It stayed cool in our lab tests, absorbing only one degree more heat than the Saatva Classic. Lauren and her husband didn’t overheat once at home. However, I’m a hot sleeper and found it a bit too warm, so I’d recommend the Saatva or Bear if you’re prone to overheating like me.
The DreamCloud’s only weaker point was in our lab test for motion isolation, where it took an average of over three seconds to deaden movement. That’s the longest of almost all our top five mattresses, but in our real-world testing it wasn’t an issue. Lauren wasn’t woken by her husband’s movements at any point during the three weeks they slept on it together.
Side by side, the Saatva Classic is evidently the better mattress, but the DreamCloud’s excellent performance for a much lower price makes it superb value. It also comes with a lifetime warranty and a 365-night trial with free returns (Saatva charges $99) so you can try it without risk.
Read more: DreamCloud Classic review
The best budget mattress
Siena Signature review scores
Overall score: 3.9 out of 5
| Product | Pressure relief (Score) | Temperature control (Score) | Motion isolation (Score) | Edge support (Score) | Value for money (Score) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siena Signature | 3.76 | 3.3 | 4.6 | 4 | 4 |
The Siena Signature (10-inch) is the new name for the Siena Memory Foam mattress, and it has climbed the ranks significantly in our guide after performing well across our seven lab tests. It’s the best cheap mattress we’ve slept on to date, and for support alone offers exceptional value. It’s particularly well-suited to stomach and back sleepers — our front-sleeping reviewer felt "immediate relief" from the first night.
Siena says its Signature mattress is a "just right" medium-firm, but our panel unanimously agreed it's firmer. We rate it 8/10, making it the firmest in this guide. Our 25kg weight sank just three inches — an inch less than on the Saatva, DreamCloud and Bear.
Our testers agreed that the firm feel delivers exceptional support, holding your spine in healthy alignment to prevent lumbar pain when sleeping on your back or stomach. We awarded it a solid 3.76/5 for pressure relief, but although it’s comfortable for bursts of side sleeping (don't expect complaints from your guests), dedicated side sleepers will need a softer mattress, such as the Nectar Premier or cheaper Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress.
Impressive all-rounder for the cheaper price
For those who share a bed, the Siena delivers best-in-class motion isolation. The dense foams deadened all movement in just over one second — faster than the rest of our top five — so a restless partner shouldn't wake you. In fact, one panel member didn't notice another getting out of bed, despite being awake during testing.
The Siena Signature also has excellent edge support, scoring 4/5. This is rare in a budget foam mattress, and means you can use the full surface without feeling like you'll roll off the edge.
Temperature regulation was its weakest point, but better than expected at this price range. In our tests the Siena absorbed the second-highest amount of heat, and took the second-longest to return to its original temperature. In real-life, our lead reviewer remained comfortable all night, but she isn't a hot sleeper. We'd exercise caution if you often overheat while sleeping and are thinking of buying the Siena Signature.
With a queen normally $359 in the Siena mattress sales, the Signature Mattress is a highly recommended option for back and stomach sleepers, as well as teens who need firmer support for growing bodies, or anyone looking to upgrade their guest room.
Read more: Siena Signature review
4. The best memory foam mattress
Nectar Premier review scores
Overall score: 3.7 out of 5
| Product | Pressure relief (Score) | Temperature control (Score) | Motion isolation (Score) | Edge support (Score) | Value for money (Score) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nectar Premier | 3.24 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
The Nectar Premier is our top memory foam recommendation. It delivers something that the rest of our top five don’t: a classic memory foam ‘hug’ with deep contouring. The comfort layers immediately mold to your body, cushioning the joints and distributing your weight to prevent pressure building up.
It was slightly out-performed in our tests by its cheaper foam rival, the Siena Signature. But the Siena is a firm mattress. It doesn’t deliver a deep ‘hug’ — which is why the Nectar Premier sits at the top of our best memory foam mattress guide.
Our lead reviewer, Ruth Jones, was struck by how plush the Nectar Premier felt. She felt most comfortable on her back and side, but as a natural front sleeper, she found it wasn’t quite as supportive in this position (the firmer Siena is better).
This was reflected in our tests. Our 25kg weight sank roughly 3.8 inches in both the shoulder and hip areas, illustrating that deep ‘hug’, but it had the slowest response time, indicating that support could be slightly better. This resulted in a ‘good’ rating for pressure relief, but it was out-performed by all other mattresses in our top five. If you need robust support, choose the Saatva or Bear instead.
Comfy for couples but support could be better
Where the Nectar performed particularly well was motion isolation, beaten only by the Siena (4.6/5). Our panel felt little disturbance, and its dense foams dampened the impact of our 5kg weight in 2.5 seconds (slower than the Siena, but faster than the Bear).
It also scored highly for edge support (4.5/5). Ruth felt comfortable sleeping right up to the perimeter. This, combined with its excellent motion isolation, makes it a good choice for couples and bed-sharing families.
Temperature-wise, it was the slowest in our top five to shed heat, taking 15 minutes to cool back down in our lab tests (the Bear Elite took five minutes). But it absorbed less heat than some of its rivals in the first place, and Ruth didn’t overheat at home. We would recommend it to anyone who doesn't sleep chronically hot.
While the Nectar Premier’s overall score of 3.7/5 is the lowest in our top five, it’s still a very good rating. And it’s great value for money: dense, contouring, luxury-feeling foam mattresses like this normally cost twice the price — just take a look at the Saatva Contour 5, which is upwards of $2,600 for a queen.
Read more: Nectar Premier Memory Foam mattress review
The best cooling mattress
Bear Elite Hybrid review scores
Overall score: 3.9 out of 5
| Product | Pressure relief (Score) | Temperature control (Score) | Motion isolation (Score) | Edge support (Score) | Value for money (Score) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Elite Hybrid | 4.6 | 5 | 3.2 | 2.5 | 4 |
Temperature control is the stand-out feature in the Bear Elite Hybrid with Celliant-infused cover (a $92 add-on). With the upgrade, this luxury hybrid is a close competitor to the Saatva Classic at number one, especially with three firmness options (we tested the medium) and excellent pressure relief. However, the Bear’s weaker edge support and higher levels of motion transfer nudge it down our rankings.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is the best cooling mattress we've tested, narrowly beating the Saatva Classic thanks to its extremely efficient dissipation of heat. It works differently to the other top-rated beds here, using copper-infused foam and the optional Celliant cover to create active temperature control.
In our lab tests, the Bear rapidly absorbed the highest amount of heat out of all the mattresses we tested under our new methodology, then just as rapidly dissipated it, returning to its original temperature in just three minutes. That’s twice as fast as the next most efficient (the DreamCloud), making it an excellent option for chronically hot sleepers.
Our lead reviewer, Eve Davies, backs up our lab data. She remained cool through the night, even after exercise — and her peri-menopausal mom had the same experience.
Great relief, but hit-and-miss edge support
The Bear Elite’s zoned support is also very effective at preventing pressure from building up, earning it a 4.6/5 score for pressure relief — second only to Saatva. Our panel agreed it’s a great choice for side and combination sleepers. However, it has comparatively high motion transfer, taking over three seconds to dampen movement in our tests (the slowest of our top five), so light sleepers with restless partners might be disturbed.
And if you need very strong edges for getting in or out of bed, choose the Saatva instead. Our panel could lie right up to the edges on the Bear, but the outer edge of the perimeter couldn’t support a 25kg weight in our standardized test without collapsing, giving the Elite the lowest score for edge support.
Overall, the Saatva is superior for the money. It feels more luxurious, and its higher motion isolation and edge support scores make it a stronger choice for couples. However, the Bear Elite is a clear winner in two scenarios: for heavier couples (the firm model can support over 1,000lbs) and for chronic hot sleepers.
Read more: Bear Elite Hybrid review
Highly commended
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a specialist mattress designed for side sleepers and side-back combi sleepers. It’s the pricier version of the original Helix Midnight mattress, and stands two inches taller thanks to eight layers of fiberglass-free premium materials, including a breathable, sweat-wicking Tencel cover. The GlacioTex cooling cover costs more (from $187), so the cheaper Bear Elite Hybrid (number five) is arguably better value for side sleepers dealing with chronic overheating.
So what’s it like to sleep on? Nicola Appleton, a Sleep Editor at Tom’s Guide, has spent over three months sleeping on the Helix Midnight Luxe. In her review she said: “It cradles the shoulders, hips, and knees to provide a weightless sensation.” That’s exactly how I feel when sleeping on the Saatva Classic, but the difference in immediate feel between the Helix and the Saatva is enormous: the Midnight Luxe feels marshmallow-y, while the Saatva is firmer without ever feeling hard.
As for pressure relief, Helix uses zoned lumbar support coils to better cradle your body and create that weightless sensation Nicola was referring to. Also like the Saatva Classic, the Midnight Luxe feels softer under the shoulders and firmer under the hips to better align with the natural shape of your body.
Price could be a sticking point for some. The Helix Midnight Luxe normally costs around $1,918 in the Helix mattress sale, so if you want a deeply contouring, softer mattress at a smaller price, consider the Nectar Premier (number four) instead. It’s nearly $1,000 cheaper, but you won’t get the same luxury sleep experience as you would on the Helix. Otherwise, for die-hard side sleepers wanting an opulent hotel-style mattress, this is the one we recommend.
Read more: Helix Midnight Luxe review
The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress is a softer, cheaper alternative to the Nectar Premier, although for the savings you have to accept some flaws. Much like the Nectar Premier Memory Foam, the Zinus excels at cushioning for side sleepers, while the superb motion isolation makes this a good choice for anyone sharing a bed with a restless co-sleeper.
The Zinus mattress does, however, lack the temperature regulation and edge support of the Nectar Premier (or even the similarly priced Siena.) These are common flaws of memory foam mattresses at this price but for hot sleepers and those with reduced mobility, we think the Nectar is worth the upgrade.
However, the Zinus Green Tea's contouring comfort puts it above many of its budget competitors. We recommend side sleepers looking for a low-cost mattress head to Amazon, where you can typically find a queen Zinus 10" Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress for less than $300.
Read more: Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam review
5 best mattresses compared
Here's a summary of how our top five mattresses compare in the five most important areas we test: pressure relief, temperature regulation, motion isolation, edge support and value for money. Swipe or click to the right or left to navigate to the performance area you're most interested in.
Test results side-by-side
How our top five mattresses compare on firmness, pressure relief, temperature control, motion isolation, edge support and value for money
Firmness
| Product | Value (Scale) |
|---|---|
| Saatva Classic | 6.5 |
| DreamCloud Classic | 6 |
| Siena Signature | 8 |
| Nectar Premier | 6.5 |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | 6 |
Close up on temperature control
Good temperature regulation is critical for getting a restful night's sleep. According to global analytics and advisory firm Gallup, 57% of adults in the US report being too hot at least occasionally while sleeping (or trying to sleep), and 46% of typically hot sleepers have experienced sub-par sleep. That's why we focus so closely on temperature regulation: if you're too hot - or too cold - your sleep suffers.
The good news is, all the mattresses in our top five were rated at least 'good' at regulating temperature, with the best ones (the Bear Elite and Saatva) rated 'outstanding'.
Here's how we tested it. We asked a biologically female mattress tester of average body weight to lie on each mattress for 15 minutes and then get off. We used a thermal imaging camera to track heat at six standardized points to see how much heat each mattress absorbs, on average, per minute, and how quickly it dissipated heat. Here's a close-up of how our top five mattresses performed.
Temperature regulation lab test results
How effectively each mattress absorbed, managed, and dissipated heat
| Timestamp (minutes) | Saatva Classic (°F) | DreamCloud Classic (°F) | Siena Signature (°F) | Nectar Premier (°F) | Bear Elite Hybrid (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1 | 3.5 | 7.3 | 8.1 | 8 | 8.2 |
| 2 | 6.3 | 7.1 | 8 | 8.1 | 9.5 |
| 3 | 5.5 | 6.9 | 8.6 | 6.76 | 9.2 |
| 4 | 5.4 | 7 | 8.4 | 5.6 | 9.3 |
| 5 | 4.6 | 7.1 | 8.1 | 5.7 | 9.8 |
| 6 | 4.6 | 7 | 8.6 | 5.3 | 8.9 |
| 7 | 5.8 | 7 | 9.2 | 5 | 9.3 |
| 8 | 5 | 6.2 | 8 | 6.2 | 10 |
| 9 | 5.4 | 6.5 | 8.4 | 7.4 | 10 |
| 10 | 5.5 | 6.7 | 7.9 | 6.4 | 9.6 |
| 11 | 5.1 | 6.1 | 8.3 | 6.2 | 9.4 |
| 12 | 4.8 | 6.5 | 8.2 | 5.9 | 9.3 |
| 13 | 4.7 | 6.5 | 9 | 6.1 | 9 |
| 14 | 5 | 6.7 | 9 | 6.3 | 10.1 |
| 15 | 5.2 | 6 | 9.8 | 6.6 | 10.5 |
| 16 | 5.3 | 3 | 3.6 | 3.9 | 3.3 |
| 17 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 3.4 | 2.8 | 1.1 |
| 18 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 3.1 | 1.9 | 0.2 |
| 19 | 1 | 1 | 2.2 | 2.3 | 1.2 |
| 20 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 2.2 | 2.1 | 1.4 |
| 21 | 0.5 | 0 | 2.3 | 1.6 | 0.2 |
| 22 | 0.4 | -0.4 | 1.6 | 2 | 0.2 |
| 23 | 0.3 | 0 | 1.8 | 2.1 | -0.3 |
| 24 | 0 | 0.2 | 2 | 2.5 | -0.4 |
| 25 | -0.9 | 0 | 1.8 | 2.4 | -0.1 |
| 26 | -1 | -0.7 | 2.1 | 1.4 | -0.7 |
| 27 | -1.2 | -0.7 | 2.1 | 1.6 | -0.8 |
| 28 | -1.3 | -0.6 | 2.1 | 1 | -0.7 |
| 29 | -0.5 | 0 | 0.4 | 1.1 | -1.3 |
| 30 | -0.6 | -0.3 | 1.5 | 0.3 | -1.1 |
Close up on comfort and support
Pressure relief refers to how well a mattress contours to your body, aligns your spine and distributes weight to prevent pressure building up.
See our pressure relief lab test results ▼
It’s probably not a concept the average person has first in mind when choosing a mattress, but it’s one of the most critical factors that can contribute to a good — or bad — night’s sleep.
All our top mattresses scored at least 'good' here. Our lab test involved placing a 25kg weight on the shoulder and hip areas to simulate the body's main pressure points.
We considered any mattress with a sinkage of 3.5 inches or more to have good pressure relief, if it also demonstrated responsive support by returning quickly to its original state when the weight was removed. We then combined this lab data with subjective feedback from our testing panel for the final score.
Pressure relief lab test results
The deeper the indentation and faster the response time, the better the ability of a mattress to relieve pressure
Hip indentation (25kg)
| Product | Value (inches) |
|---|---|
| Saatva Classic | 4.75 |
| DreamCloud Classic | 4.5 |
| Siena Signature | 4 |
| Nectar Premier | 4 |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | 3.875 |
How we test mattresses
Buying a mattress is a big decision — not just for your wallet, but your health too. Our expert team has been testing mattresses for half a decade, and we've just launched our brand-new mattress methodology comprising seven robust data-led lab tests, plus extensive value for money analysis.
Here's a breakdown of our new approach to testing mattresses at Tom's Guide, and the five most critical areas we test and analyze:
1. Pressure relief (Comfort and support)
Why it matters: This is a top reason for most mattress purchases. Although it’s somewhat subjective, an ideal mattress cushions pressure points (particularly at the hips and shoulders) while maintaining healthy spinal alignment. Without that balance, you'll start to develop aches and pains.
How we test: We use a 25kg (55lb) weight to simulate the body's heaviest touch points across multiple areas to measure indentation depth (how much the surface sinks after five minutes) and recovery time (how long it takes for the mattress to snap back into place). This allows us to assess how a mattress reacts when weight is put on it. We also use a laser level and a tripod to observe a tester's alignment when side sleeping.
How we score: Indentation depth makes up 60% of our pressure relief (comfort and support) score, as the right balance is key to preventing pain. Mattresses receive a higher score for faster recovery times; anything over eight seconds is considered slow-moving (and therefore difficult to move around on).
2. Temperature regulation
Why it matters: Overheating disrupts sleep. The best mattresses dissipate heat and promote a neutral (or comfortable) temperature for an individual.
How we test: Using a medical-grade thermal imaging camera, we measure passive cooling (how much heat the mattress absorbs while our tester lies on it) and active cooling (how quickly it releases that heat once our tester gets up).
How we score: We combine the results of our passive and active cooling tests. Mattresses with minimal heat retention receive higher marks.
3. Motion isolation
Why it matters: Couples and families who share a bed with kids or pets need a mattress that prevents movement from transferring.
How we test: We drop a weighted ball next to a sensitive scientific accelerometer to simulate a partner shifting in bed, measuring the initial impact absorption and the motion-damping speed.
How we score: Our motion isolation score is weighted 60/40 initial impact absorption to motion-dampening speed. The most important thing we look for is how well a mattress prevents motion from reverberating across the surface.
4. Edge support
Why it matters: Strong edges allow couples to maximize every inch of their sleep surface, give sleepers with mobility issues a steady surface to push off from, and indicate how durable a mattress will be over time.
How we test: To measure sitting stability, we place a 25kg (55lb) weight on the middle perimeter of the mattress and measure the vertical sinkage after five minutes. As for sleeping security, our testers lie on the mattress and note (in inches) how far from the edge they feel most secure.
How we score: Sitting stability makes up 60% of our edge support score, with higher marks for lower sinkage. Sleep security makes up the remainder, with mattresses providing consistent edge-to-edge support receiving a perfect grade.
5. Value for money
Knowing you're getting a good mattress at a good price is important, so we've developed a new scoring rubric to give each mattress we test a rating out of 5 for value for money.
To create an overall value for money score, we consider the build quality of a mattress, and the quality of the materials. The better the quality, the higher the score, because these two factors indicate the likelihood of durability and longevity. In other words, how long we expect this mattress to last – a critical consideration when assessing value for money.
We also factor in the performance of the mattress in our lab tests versus price, plus the benefits (sleep trial, mattress warranty, and level of shipping) you get with the mattress.
Here's how our Top 5 mattresses score in terms of value for money:
- Saatva Classic – 5 out of 5
- DreamCloud Classic – 5 out of 5
- Siena Signature – 4 out of 5
- Nectar Premier – 4 out of 5
- Bear Elite Hybrid – 4 out of 5
- Longevity and assurance (35%): Encompasses the length of the mattress warranty and sleep trial.
- Build quality and materials (30%), Accounts for materials, construction, and country of origin.
- Price competitiveness (25%): Regards how a mattress is priced against direct competitors, using queen-size as a benchmark.
- Brand consensus and user rating (10%): Based on verified customer ratings and overall brand reputation.
How we measure subjective feedback
At the end of the day, we're humans sleeping on these mattresses, not inanimate objects. Our diverse group of testers lie on a mattress in all positions (side, back, and stomach) and make note of any pressure buildup (or relief) in their touchpoints.
Sensory feel and performance: This relates to how cool or warm a mattress feels to our testers upon first contact and after extended use.
Partner disturbance assessment: One tester gets in and out of bed and shifts positions while another tester lies still and measures the level of perceived disturbance for light sleepers.
Sit and sleep assessment: Our testers sit on the edge of the mattress to assess security and stability, then lie near the perimeter to gauge whether or not they'll roll off the bed.
How we score mattresses
The final rating a mattress receives is the sum of its performance across all five categories (a maximum score out of 25). For example, a final score of 23 or more culminates in a 5-star rating, while a score of 18-22 earns a 4-star rating.
Mattress shopping advice
How to choose the right mattress firmness
All sleep brands rate the firmness of their mattresses on a 10-point scale, with 1 being soft and fluffy and 10 being a slab of stone. While this seems straightforward, there's no universal standard of mattress firmness as every brand has its own interpretation of what's plush and what's hard.
This is why it's important to purchase a mattress according to your sleep style and weight, as that'll influence how firm your mattress should be. If you're not keen on extremes, medium-firm is a good starting point. (Most hotel mattresses are medium-firm to cater to as many guests as possible.)
If your mattress comes in a box, make sure to set it up as soon as possible — the longer a mattress is compressed, the more it'll affect the overall bed feel. You should always buy a mattress with a trial period so you can exchange or return it for something that's a better fit.
How to buy a mattress online
The online mattress space has boomed over the last decade as sleep brands endeavor to make the buying process as simple as possible. Still, it's natural to have reservations about making such a big-ticket purchase from your laptop or smartphone. Here's how you can make the experience of buying a mattress online as painless as possible:
1. Don't buy without a mattress trial
Even if you've seen the mattress you want to buy up-close in a store, you won't know how it really performs until you're able to sleep on it each night. The average mattress trial is 100 nights, with some brands offering up to a full year so you can sample it across all four seasons. Remember that it takes at least three weeks for your body to adjust to a new sleep surface, and most brands won't accept returns before 30 days.
2. Know what the mattress warranty covers
More online sleep brands are keen to offer a mattress warranty for life to ease the minds of concerned customers. However, these terms aren't uniform across all companies — and many lifetime warranties are prorated after a certain point, meaning you'll have to at least pay in part for repairs or returns. Know what you may be getting into before you click 'buy' to prevent headaches later.
3. Consider shipping and delivery options
Most online sleep brands sell mattresses in a box, which means you'll have to set it up. This keeps the costs low, but if you're unable to unbox and haul a mattress yourself, consider a brand that offers White Glove Delivery. With this service, your mattress is delivered flat and set up in a room of your choice. Brands like Saatva and Tempur-Pedic provide free White Glove Delivery, while others charge a fee. White Glove Delivery often includes removal of your existing mattress, as well.
4. Do your homework
Know what type of mattress you need before you start shopping. (Refer to our buying tips above to help you out.) Also, read reviews from professional testers like ourselves and everyday shoppers who share your sleep preferences. Don't just focus on the glowing or scathing reviews, either — most people's experiences will be somewhere in the middle.
